The Department of Justice has initiated its largest denaturalization effort on record, filing complaints against 24 individuals accused of committing crimes ranging from attempted murder to child sexual abuse and identity fraud. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that U.S. citizenship is a privilege that must be obtained lawfully and honestly.
The complaints, filed between July 20 and August 3, allege that these individuals secured their naturalization through fraudulent means, including concealing violent crimes, sexual offenses against children, and other disqualifying facts. The individuals are natives of 17 different countries, including Pakistan, Moldova, India, Mexico, Colombia, Nigeria, and Jamaica.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate emphasized that these individuals committed crimes incompatible with U.S. citizenship and that the department is moving rapidly to denaturalize those who deceived the government. He noted that these cases are "only the beginning" and that the Justice Department will continue to utilize all available tools to protect the naturalization process and public safety.
Since January 20, 2025, the department has filed a total of 88 denaturalization complaints. The current surge targets a wide spectrum of alleged conduct that should have prevented the individuals from obtaining or retaining U.S. citizenship. Allegations include attempted murder, child sexual abuse, domestic violence, marriage fraud, identity fraud, passport fraud, bank and credit card fraud, and practicing medicine without a license.
One case involves a man in North Carolina accused of concealing a conviction for attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon, despite having obtained citizenship through military service. Another complaint alleges a naturalized citizen in South Carolina failed to disclose a violent assault that resulted in his wife's hospitalization.
In June, the DOJ revoked the citizenship of 17 individuals from 13 countries over allegations involving child sexual abuse, narcotics trafficking, and large-scale financial fraud.